Travel Tips and Hacks

If you’re not in a rush to get to the destination, enjoy the trip by taking a train. (BublikHaus/Shutterstock)

Just about every aspect of travel, whether for business or personal reasons, is expensive. However, there are several ways to reduce costs without having to compromise on comfort or enjoyment. In fact, many of the following tips can also improve the travel experience.

With a bit of planning, it’s easy to cut the cost of travel and make it fun, too. (Vera Petrunina/Shutterstock)

Rental Cars

If personal or business travel requires driving, consider renting a car. While it’s common for employers to provide reimbursement based on the miles driven, choosing a rental car can eliminate excess mileage and tire wear on personal vehicles, as well as minimize interior and exterior wear and tear, the frequency of oil changes, and other mileage-related maintenance. In the event of an accident, it’s a rental car that’s damaged. Make sure that the driver and the rental car are fully covered under personal car insurance policies before considering the rental car’s coverage, which might be expensive and not as comprehensive as personal car insurance.

If travel involves driving, choosing a rental car helps avoid excess mileage and wear and tear on personal vehicles. Some rental companies offer free VIP member clubs with great perks. (New Africa/Shutterstock)

Another way to save on driving-related expenses is to enroll in a gas company discount program that offers discounts for each gallon of fuel purchased. While driving, use a mapping app such as Waze to provide the fastest route and alerts of accidents or slowdowns ahead; many can instantly reroute to a path around delays to keep you moving (and possibly save money on gas).

Train Travel

Relaxing in a posh seat while watching the countryside roll past is a great way to get from Point A to Point B. Train travel is an often-overlooked option, but it’s worth considering if the schedule allows it. In order to make it both cost-effective and fun, purchase tickets in advance, if possible. Always look for savings opportunities, such as those offered through membership in participating organizations, senior or military discounts, or those offered to members of Amtrak’s reward program—such as using Amtrak points to purchase a ticket—as this might be less expensive than simply purchasing the ticket directly.

Cruises can be a lot less expensive when you know when to book one, as well as what cabin to request, and take advasntage of pre-purchased meals and drinks. (View Apart/Shutterstock)

Cruises

Most cruise ship travel is purely personal, but if there’s a way to use this method of travel for business trips, go for it! To get the best deals, look for end-of-season deals or when ships are returning to the Caribbean from the Mediterranean or vice versa. Similarly, booking a cruise during a “shoulder season,” also known as off-peak season, can be an effective way to get a discounted rate.

Other tips include booking an inside cabin, booking the next cruise while on a cruise, making a last-minute booking to take advantage of deep discounts, and bidding for an upgraded cabin. You can continue to save money while on the cruise. Use the spa while in port, when it’s less busy; consider prepurchasing discounted dining and drinks packages; and be open to special deals for meals, entertainment, and the spa that are often offered mid-cruise. Be careful if booking during college spring break in order to avoid an overly boisterous crowd.

Consider joining an airline frequent flyer club to gain no-cost access to early boarding, seat upgrades, reward points, and more. (pikepicture/Shutterstock)

Airfare

When traveling by air, consider joining the airline’s frequent flyer club or applying for an airline-sponsored credit card, both of which can provide access to discounts and perks. These programs also often allow boarding early and the ability to choose seats in advance and may reward flyers with points that can be used toward flights or special promotions. Frequent flyers may be offered access to the terminal’s members-only lounges, where they can enjoy snacks and drinks while relaxing between flights in a comfortable, quiet setting.

When traveling with others, book each ticket separately; if the airline has only one “cheap” seat left on the flight, it’s unlikely to be shown as available while booking multiple seats. Book seats on a Sunday; according to Expedia, this is the best day to find less-expensive seats. Flights departing on Wednesday are rumored to be the best deals, offering savings of up to 15 percent as compared to very busy Mondays, weekends, or holidays. Seasoned travelers suggest booking domestic flights about a month prior to departure; doing so further in advance or much closer to the flight date can result in finding only higher rates. For international flights, booking about six months in advance can result in the best fares. Some travel resources, such as Expedia, will send notifications when seats on a specific flight are at their lowest price.

Hotel loyalty programs are usually free and allow guests to choose specific rooms, enjoy late check-out, and receive discounts on rooms and services. (FooTToo/Shutterstock)

Lodgings

When arranging lodging, book hotel rooms directly, as some so-called discounted room sites may actually tack on extra charges. Join the hotel chain’s frequent guest program to have access to early check-in, late check-out, and the possibility of choosing a specific room, subject to availability, on a specific floor or in a particular area of the hotel. Again, it’s subject to availability, but travelers can request a room away from the elevator, garbage chute, or exit doors and also may be eligible for room upgrades.